You’ve probably heard of gingivitis: puffy gums, excessive bleeding when brushing, and sensitivity at the gum line are all signs of gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease. While gingivitis is easily treatable, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible for maximum benefit to the health of your teeth. Left unchecked, gingivitis can worsen and lead to further tooth problems.

Gingivitis and other gum diseases are due to dental plaque which builds up on your teeth. Plaque is full of bacteria, and those bacteria use the sugar in your foods to produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel. While proper brushing and flossing can eliminate most of your plaque, sometimes it isn’t enough. The plaque can get trapped below your gum line, and that’s when you start to develop inflammation and the early stages of gingivitis.

Treatment for gingivitis is usually simple and can even be completed with a routine professional cleaning every six months. If you think you are developing a periodontal issue, don’t hesitate to call our office at (727) 373-6628.! We will make every effort to address a potential periodontal disease as quickly as possible, and we offer several other treatment types to help get your mouth back to its peak health.

Scaling and Root Planing – Non-Surgical Options

Scaling and root planing are the first steps in treating advanced periodontal diseases. Often referred to as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing go below the gum line to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on the roots of your teeth.

After applying a local anesthetic, we will perform a full cleaning that covers above and below the gum line. This will help to control the inflammation and infection and is often successful at treating gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.

Periodontal Therapy

In advanced cases of periodontal disease, it can become necessary to remove part of the gum tissue that is severely infected. This will save your teeth and other gum tissue and prevent the spread of infections. Clearwater Dental Associates offers gum surgery to reduce your periodontal pockets, as well as gum grafting.

With pocket reduction surgery, our goal is to reduce periodontal pockets, which are a loosening of your gums as a result of periodontal disease. We will thoroughly clean, treat, and allow for healing over the course of several weeks. You will still be able to eat normally but may initially experience some minor sensitivity.

If you believe you may have gingivitis or a more advanced periodontal disease, don’t delay periodontal treatment: the quicker we can resolve your issue, the healthier you and your teeth will be! Call our Clearwater Florida dentist office for a consultation at 727-373-6628, or make an appointment using our online form.

Schedule An Appointment

Need a Smile Makeover, full mouth reconstruction or cosmetic procedure like veneers or crowns? Set up an appointment now without picking up the phone.